Examples of service learning
Service learning can be incorporated into any class in any discipline at any level. However, smart choices must be made in order to tailor service learning activities to the desired learning goals in the class. Service goals should also be clearly identified.
| Students in a biology class plant trees and grasses in wetland areas with a conservation group. | Learning goals: knowledge of ecosystems, biodiversity, coastal erosion, plant life cycles, environmental degradation |
| Service goals: mitigation of wetland loss, habitat preservation, storm protection | |
| Students in an accounting class develop a presentation on business credit and deliver the presentation at a client gathering at a local small business incubator. | Learning goals: knowledge of nonprofit careers for business/accounting majors, accounting processes involved in starting and sustaining small businesses |
| Service goals: economic development, job creation | |
| Students in a sociology class tutor children and adolescents in local schools and afterschool programs. | Learning goals: knowledge of how race and class affect child/adolescent development, socialization, human behavior and social institutions |
| Service goals: increased academic achievement, higher school performance | |
| Students in an introductory chemistry seminar prepare exciting, age-appropriate, hands-on chemistry demonstrations for students in a local public school. |
Learning goals: improving students' science communication skills to general audiences, preparation for future conference presentations |
| Service goals: stimulating interest in STEM fields, building scientific imagination and creativity among school-aged children | |
| Students in a composition class serve food and socialize with guests at a local homeless shelter. They use their experience to compose a well-argued essay on the causes of homelessness and possible solutions. | Learning goals: analysis and observation of the causes and effects of homelessness, improving listening and critical inquiry skills |
| Service goals: care for homeless individuals, support for shelters, developing effective advocates for solutions to homelessness | |
| Students in a marketing class devise strategies to help a national affordable housing organization incorporate its local community-building efforts into its larger brand identity. | Learning goals: knowledge of branding strategies, effective use of social and traditional media |
| Service goals: increased awareness of neighborhood affordable housing and community-building resources | |
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Students in an acting class volunteer in a variety of community-based settings, closely observing accent, vocal posture, and gesture among the people they serve. |
Learning goals: strengthening voice & movement techniques, developing believable and authentic characters. |
| Service goals: building relationships, listening and communication skills, and solidarity between students and community members | |
| Students in a public relations class create a campaign for a local organ and tissue procurement organization. | Learning goals: Practicing writing, presentation and research skills, applying public relations theories and concepts. |
| Service goals: Increasing registered organ and tissue donors among college-aged youth; building awareness and support among young people for organ and tissue donation |
For more examples, check out descriptions of service learning courses which have been taught at Loyola. Select any avaialble semester from the dropdown menu.
Additional Resources
SLICE (Service Learning Ideas and Curricular Examples)